Come-See-Me Community Service Merit Awards

The Come-See-Me Community Service Merit Awards are presented to dedicated volunteers who improve our community through their selfless service and commitment to others. Nominations are submitted by community members each fall and the awardees are determined by a panel of judges. Honorees are officially announced at the annual Come-See-Me Logo Unveiling Breakfast.

Here are the winners of the 2018 Come-See-Me Community Service Merit Awards:

SHAWANDA ERBY

Shawanda Erby values every opportunity to work with young women, give back to others, and lead by example. She is the President of Sisters United As One, an organization that focuses on uniting, encouraging, empowering, and embracing all young girls and women. Through her mentoring program, Shawanda is able to instill the value of community in those she assists by facilitating multiple opportunities for them to give back as well. She has coordinated countless food and clothing drives to lift up those less fortunate.

This mother, social worker, mentor, and community education advocate is an outstanding member of our community who leads by example. Shawanda’s courageous spirit, compassionate heart, authenticity, open mind, and generosity continue to shape our community and extend well beyond the immediate area.

CAROLINE KRUEGER

For 10 years, Caroline Krueger has been a driving force to meet the needs of the less fortunate in our community through a ministry center she helped birth in Rock Hill. Last year alone, under her leadership, the Oakland Baptist Church Ministry Center served over 5,000 people with clothes, small housewares, and shoes. Caroline recruits volunteers, sorts and organizes the donations, and leads the distribution efforts. She coordinates her work with over 15 agencies around town to find those who are in need while continually nourishing those partnerships.

Caroline’s schedule shows no less than 321 volunteer hours a month, not including the special groups, administrative work, and other various projects she coordinates outside of her regular duties. There is no doubt that Caroline’s serving nature has been the driving force that has sustained this ministry and driven others to follow her example, further serving those in need. Her dedication is unwavering and the number of hours she has given of her time are countless.

ALISON MALLARD

Alison Mallard’s expertise and commitment contribute greatly to the success of an event or campaign. Her volunteer service with organizations such as the Come-See-Me Festival (5 years), the Rock Hill Rotary Club, Zeta Tau Alpha and, most recently, as the Event Coordinator for the UCI BMX World Championships confirms that she continues to be one of the most-sought after volunteers in York County.

Alison’s service as a member of the Heart2Heart Foundation Board of Directors and Special Events Chair has contributed significantly to the foundation’s growth and success, ultimately serving those within the community. While most people only see the results of her efforts, few know the talent and time she brings to every project.

HELENA MILLER

Though a native of Sweden, Helena Miller has made Rock Hill home. In her 15 years here, she has served selflessly on numerous committees and boards throughout the community. Helena is currently on the Rock Hill Board of Trustees for Rock Hill Schools, Regional President for South Carolina PTA, Vice President of the Mount Gallant PTA, and Palmetto Council initiative – Women for (Boy)Scouting Fundraising Group for York County.

Helena’s community service work has centered around children and education, because of her belief that the work we put into our youth today is key to our successful future. Positions held over the past 10 years include Board of Directors for Rock Hill Schools Educational Foundation; SIC Chair, PTA President, Treasurer, and Fundraising Chair at Mount Gallant Elementary; Chair of A Place for Hope Inc.; Board Chair of The Girls Home Inc.; Board Treasurer for the Junior Women’s Club; and Treasurer for Pack 78 Boy Scouts.

ALLYSON REID

Allyson Reid is truly dedicated to serving others and continues to give back to her community through her generosity and engagement. Her warm smile exudes kindness and she is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Allyson has dedicated countless hours of time to her church, Bethel United Methodist, through serving the children attending Vacation Bible School as well as being actively involved with the Men’s Warming Center. She has worked diligently to aid homeless men in our community by helping coordinate warm meals throughout the cold season as well as accommodations and items of need. As an active Comporium Pioneer, Allyson continues to volunteer numerous hours working on various projects including CureFest and Habitat for Humanity. She is also an active participant and contributor with Light the Night and The March of Dimes.

RICKY TEAL

Ricky Teal extends love and compassion through unselfish acts of kindness, personal resources, and countless hours of time in return for nothing more than to see someone smile. After recognizing an unmet need, Ricky founded Sparrow Ranch, a ministry for children and adults with special needs. He created an environment where those with special needs could worship freely without judgement and without being made to feel intimidated.

Ricky was led to open his own home to offer a time of devotion as well as praise music, food, games, and fellowship. What started out as a single event was the foundation of a new monthly event and outreach to those nationwide. He continued to pull from his personal funds while being blessed with donations. Ricky’s reach is further extended through his partnership with the NASCAR Truck Series as well as the award-winning Christian Faith based film, “Remnant of Hope.”

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The Come-See-Me Festival is funded by its sponsors and with grant assistance from Rock Hill Accommodations Tax/Tourism Commission and York County Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee. The Come-See-Me Festival is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization for federal income tax purposes.